Best attractions and places to see around Drumbockany include a variety of historical sites, ancient monuments, and castle ruins. The region features significant historical landmarks, including structures from the 17th century and pre-Christian stone figures. Visitors can explore sites set within forested areas and along points, offering insights into the area's past.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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In the graveyard are several interesting stones, probably the most noted one is known as the Bishops stone, this odd shaped stone has been altered and reused several times, originally thought to have been a carved figure similar to those on nearby White Island. Another stone with a lot of history is the large slab standing west of the bishops stone, one side of the stone bears at least twelve cup-shaped hollows, see image above right, which suggest this maybe a multiple bullaun stone/cup marked stone that has been reused as an early Christian cross slab, as on the obverse face is a Greek cross in a circle with a bifurcated stem. Situated south of the bullaun stone is a holed stone, as the image shows this stone is half embedded in the ground. Immediately to the West of the holed stone is a broken 1.2 metre high stone pillar. This stone may have been damaged. http://www.megalithicireland.com/Killadeas.htm
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During WW2 Castle Archdale was a major base for flying boats and housed up to 2,500 people. Buildings such as these would have been a central location for the RAF fighters who lived here. Sometimes exhibitions are held in these courtyards to display some of the key historical notes of the use of this area during the war.
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Old Castle Archdale is situated on Castle Hill within a 520 hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. The castle was built in the 1600s and was the main castle on this former estate before its successor took it's place in the 1800s, Castle Archdale.
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Old Castle Archdale sits on a forest clifftop. It is named 'old' to distinguish it from its successor, the 18th century Castle Archdale. The castle was built by an Englishman from Suffolk who had been granted the estate in 1612 after paying 5 pounds, 6 shillings and 8 pence for the 1000 acres of land. During the Irish Rebellion of 1641 the castle was captured by Rory Maguire as part of the uprising to retake his lands that had been lost in 1607. The heir to the castle was saved by his nurse however the other children were killed. After the castle was returned to the family it was repaired and lived in until 1689. The castle saw its end during the Williamite Wars when the castle was burnt out and abandoned.
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This fortified house is on Tully Point and built for Sir John Hume who occupied the house until 1641 when it was attacked by John Maguire and burned on Christmas Eve with all its inhabitants massacred. After that it was not lived in again. There is a visitors centre in a restored farmhouse that has an interesting exhibition telling a number of stories relating to the castle. To visit the castle be sure to step off the bike as it is on foot only!
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Perched atop a cliff and surrounded by thick forest, it's easy to imagine how life would have been hundreds of years ago as you wander the crumbling walls of Old Castle Archdale. Built in 1615 by Englishman John Archdale, the castle was captured by the Irish in the Irish Rebellion of 1641. The castle was inhabited until 1689, when it was destroyed by fire and abandoned.
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This fortified house and bawn are set on Tully Point and were built for Sir John Hume who occupied the house until 1641 when it was attacked and burned on Christmas Eve by Rory Maguire and the inhabitants massacred. It was not lived in again. A visitor’s centre, located in a restored farmhouse, houses an exhibition telling local stories relating to the castle. (https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/tully-castle-p675521)
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Drumbockany is rich in history. You can visit the ruins of Old Castle Archdale, a 17th-century castle on a forest clifftop, or explore Tully Castle Ruins, a fortified house with a visitor's centre detailing its past. Don't miss the ancient Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery, unique pre-Christian stone figures.
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins is noted as family-friendly and includes a visitor's centre that can engage younger visitors with local stories. Additionally, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings offer insights into the area's WWII history, which can be an interesting educational experience for families.
The most prominent ancient stone monuments are the Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery on Boa Island, featuring unique pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures. Another significant site is Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones, where you can find the Bishops stone, bullaun stones, and a holed stone with a rich history.
The area around Drumbockany offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy loops like the Castle Archdale loop. For mountain biking, there are routes such as the Scarplands Cycle Trail. Running enthusiasts can explore trails like the Rossmore Point Beacon – Castle Archdale Marina loop. For more details on routes, visit the Hiking around Drumbockany, MTB Trails around Drumbockany, and Running Trails around Drumbockany guides.
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails. You can enjoy the Castle Archdale loop, the Cliffs of Magho loop, or the View from the Cliffs of Magho loop from Drumcrow West, all offering accessible options for a pleasant walk.
Old Castle Archdale, built in 1615, was a significant 17th-century stronghold. It was captured during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and later destroyed by fire in 1689 during the Williamite Wars, marking its abandonment. It offers a glimpse into the turbulent history of the region.
Yes, the Castle Archdale Courtyard Buildings were part of a major flying boat base during WWII, housing up to 2,500 people. Exhibitions are sometimes held here to display key historical notes of the area's wartime use.
The Janus Stones of Caldragh Cemetery are unique pre-Christian, likely Iron Age, stone figures. Originally Janus-faced, meaning they had faces on both the front and back, they stand in an isolated graveyard on Boa Island. One figure is thought to represent a Celtic cernunnos-like god of vegetation and fertility.
Yes, Tully Castle Ruins features a visitor's centre located in a restored farmhouse. This centre provides an exhibition that tells local stories related to the castle's history, including its attack and burning in 1641.
Beyond the main castles, Killadeas Priory Church and Early Christian Stones offers a fascinating look into ancient religious practices. Here you'll find the Bishops stone, which has been altered and reused, and a large slab with cup-shaped hollows, suggesting it was a bullaun stone reused as an early Christian cross slab.
Old Castle Archdale is situated on a forest clifftop within a 520-hectare coniferous and mixed broadleaved forest. Visitors can expect to walk through wooded areas to reach the castle ruins, which are perched atop a cliff.
Absolutely. The Drumbockany area offers several mountain biking trails. You can explore routes like the Scarplands Cycle Trail or the challenging Tully Castle to Cliffs of Magho viewpoint and Ballintempo Forest loop. For more options, check out the MTB Trails around Drumbockany guide.


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